Coronavirus

Coronavirus

FEDERAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FAQ'S:

Given the size and scope of the recently passed federal emergency aid package, my team and I have compiled FAQ and fact sheets for various sectors and issues. These documents will continue to be updated as new information is made available:

COVID-19: The Coronavirus

America and the world are in the midst of dangerous global outbreak of the respiratory disease known as COVID-19 – the coronavirus. Confirmed cases continue to rise in the United States and will likely continue to for some time.

There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus. At this time, it is critically important that people self-isolate and practice good social distancing as much as possible in your specific situation. It is imperative that we slow the spread of this disease as much as possible, to prevent a catastrophic overload on our hospitals and larger health care system.

Stay home and work from home, if at all possible.

Avoid crowds of any size and attempt to keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and others at all times.

If accepting in-person deliveries, ask the delivery person to leave the delivery outside the door, and tip through your phone if possible.

When grocery shopping, buy only what you need and avoid hoarding so that others may buy what they need as well. There is not a food shortage, and empty shelves at stores are simply a by-product of a sudden-wave of shoppers. Stores will restock.

Continue to be vigilant about washing your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (soap and water is better though), and avoiding touching your face, eyes, and mouth.

The amount of time COVID-19 can survive on surfaces and in the air is still under review. It appears it may be able to live on hard surfaces like steel and plastic for a number of days, and softer surfaces like cardboard for briefer periods of time. Whether or not people can contract the coronavirus from these surfaces is unclear. Avoid touching shared surfaces that are not being regularly disinfected (including playgrounds or public hand rails), and take caution when bringing in packages and delivery items to your home (wash your hands thoroughly, leave exterior packaging outside your home if possible, and allow packages with non-perishable items to sit untouched for a day or two if you can).

If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider, local urgent care, or emergency room BEFORE going in. They will advise you how to proceed to protect yourself and other patients.

Recent studies show that people can test positive for COVID-19 without displaying any symptoms. Please bear this in mind when considering whether to visit or interact with higher-risk communities, and err on the side of caution.

As developments unfold, my team and I will update this page with new information for you and your loved ones. Like any major flu or respiratory virus, please follow the advice and recommendations of medical professionals to minimize and mitigate public health risks.

As a reminder: Oregon has a protected sick time law. This is very important in the face of a contagious illness like the coronavirus, when individuals are encouraged to stay home when sick to minimize exposing others and to give yourself time to recover. This law also protects those who must care for a sick family member, or who need to care for a child if their school or place of care is closed due to a public health emergency. Learn more about Oregon’s sick time law

Prevention, Symptoms, and Care:

Please visit the CDC website for recommendations on how to limit exposure, what to do if you think you’ve been exposed and/or have contracted the coronavirus, and how to manage symptoms for milder cases of COVID-19.

This is a dangerous disease no matter your age or health, but certain communities are especially at risk. Learn more about specific risk groups from the CDC:

Mental Health:

The stress of this situation can and will take a toll on many Americans. Resources are out there to help people manage stress, anxiety, and depression at this time. Please visit the CDC mental health resources page for more information and recommendations.

Communicating with Children about COVID-19:

The CDC has also compiled recommendations for how to talk to children about this situation. Please visit the CDC website for ideas on what to say and how to help children cope.

Federal Response and Emergency Assistance:

I take the safety of Oregonians and Americans incredibly seriously, which is why I pressed my Republican and Democratic colleagues to hammer out additional emergency resources for individuals, front-line responders, and communities.